Beginning in 1980s and continuing for a few decades reasonably priced, fun-to-drive compact sports cars were everywhere. Shifting gears on winding country roads? Loud, feel-every-bump-in-the-road driving? Who could resist?

The choices, in coupes and convertibles, once included the Alfa Romeo GTV Spider, Fiat Abarth Spider, Honda S2000, Lotus Elan, Pontiac Solstice, Nissan S-Chassis, Saturn Sky, Scion FR-S Sport and Toyota MR-2/MR-S. They all had loyal followers.

But yesteryear’s options are fading fast; only three remain. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, the best-selling sports car in history, debuted in 1989. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, which both arrived in 2012 and are automotive cousins, provide the competition.

The 2024 Subaru BRZ matches its rivals with all of the fun features included. Available only with 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower, the BRZ (the initials stand for Boxer engine, Rear-wheel drive, Zenith) is offered in Premium, Limited and tS trims and with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available only in the Limited trim. Unlike most of the Subaru lineup, all BRZ configurations are rear-wheel drive.

The reviewed new tS trim adds sports car fanciers’ upgrades: 18-inch wheels, larger rotors and upgraded pads, and Hitachi suspension dampers. There are a few visual changes, and all BRZ offerings with manual transmissions have EyeSight driver assist cameras.

Dual three-color cameras are located near the rearview mirror and constantly scan a wide field of vision. A third camera option offers the best field of vision. Safety equipment also includes forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise.

Compact sports cars often seem more performance-oriented than specs reveal. The BRZ is an exception. It completes the 0-60 miles per hour standard in 5.5 seconds. The effort in the lightweight (2,820 pounds), peppy two-seater is complemented by its adept steering and overall handling.

According to EPA estimates, manual transmission BRZs average 20 miles per gallon in city driving, 27 mpg on the highway. Automatic transmission models average 21 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway.

The BRZ has the requisite supply of standard technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But neither option is wireless. An integrated navigation system isn’t available and nor are any USB-C ports. The two quick-charging USB-A ports are located in the center armrest. Stereos in convertibles often perform poorly. The BRZ system is seemingly an afterthought; the quality is barely adequate.

Other issues dampen the fun. Manual transmissions are right for sport cars, but shifting the BRZ is never smooth. Luxury isn’t expected in a compact sports car but the BRZ is difficult to enter and exit and the seats are stiff and tight for all except the petite. Interior quality is basic and of only of adequate quality. Cupholders are located well behind the driver’s right arm, an awkward placement at best.

Not much storage space can be expected from compact sports cars, but Subaru’s space isn’t bad for the segment. The back seat isn’t suitable for humans, but it can hold a few soft-sided suitcases when the backrest is folded. There’s only 6.3 cubic feet of space with a pass-through to the trunk. The BRZ gets the edge over the MX-5 Miata (4.6 cubic feet).
In 2025, BRZ model improvements include a standard sport mode for better throttle response. The limited trim has an updated interior. But entering the fourth year of its second generation, the BRZ has no other changes.

For their value, the compact sports cars, coupes or convertibles, remain unqualified fun. The BRZ is impractical, loud and not particularly comfortable. But at just under $37,000 it’s a reasonably priced overload of automotive joy. There are far worse reasons to buy a car.